Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 12 - The Griffin

Merlin's POV

I get up immediately at first light. I spring from bed and quickly change clothes. I pull on a black tunic with brown trousers and brown boots to match. I put on my chainmail as well as my gauntlets and pauldron. I double check to make sure they are strapped on tight before grabbing my belt to wrap around my waist. I make sure everything is put on properly and that nothing is crooked before turning around to grab Excalibur off my desk.

I pull the blade out of its sheath. I hold it up so it's at eye level, making sure that the blade is properly sharpened. When I'm satisfied with everything I place it back in its sheath before hooking it on my belt. I leave my cape behind as to not attract attention. After all I am entering Camelot territory.

I grab my satchel and am about to head out the door when it opens, causing four people to tumble through. They collapse one on top of the other. They all groan in unison. I can hear the man on the bottom of the pile mutter something along the lines of, "You people are fat," before receiving a punch in the head by the women above him.

I continue to stare in confusion as they slowly untangle themselves and get to their feet. I'm not surprised to see the four individuals to be Gwaine, Morgana, Mordred, and Lancelot who are all dressed in their armour with bags slung over their shoulder.

"What are you guys doing?" I ask, quirking up an eyebrow.

Gwaine grins. "What does it look like mate? We're coming with you," he says, showing me the satchel in his hand.

"Do you even know where I'm going?"

"No, but I'll follow you to the ends of the earth."

I sigh and roll my eyes at him. Typical Gwaine. "The drunk may not know where you're going but we do. You plan on hunting the Griffin don't you?" Morgana says.

I nod. "I'm not bringing you guys along. It might be dangerous."

"And you're saying it's not dangerous for you? Merlin, you're not doing this alone," Lancelot says with his arms crossed.

Mordred nods in agreement. "We're coming with you friend. Wether you want us to or not," Mordred says with a smile.

I look down at my feet with amusement, a smile on my face. I couldn't ask for better friends... except for perhaps Arthur. No. Don't think about him right now. I look back up at my friends. "Are you sure?"

They all nod, looking determined.

I smile at them with my usual goofy grin. "Then let's go before people start to wake."

I walk towards the door and swing it open. We head out to the stables to prepare the horses for our journey.

-----

Arthur's POV

I wake early the next morning. I groan when I see George standing by my bedside. He has a platter of fruits in his hand. "Good morning sire. I have prepared breakfast for you," he says, setting the plate on the table.

"Thank you George. Um... could you-" I'm cut off by George.

"I have already picked out your clothes and polished your armour for today's hunt. Your sword is sharpened and your boots are polished. The horse is all ready in the courtyard for you as well. Is there anything else sire?"

This man... He's good but just so... irritating for some reason. "Um... That's all George thank you. You're dismissed."

"Do you not need help getting into your armour sire?"

"No I'll get someone else thanks."

"I really think it best if-"

"George. Out."